British Airways celebrates launching its A380 service to Hong Kong

By BA Staff

The exclusive event, billed as a ‘Gig on a Wing’ showcased the very best of British Airways, to an audience that included Keith Williams, British Airways’ Chief Executive and special guests from Hong Kong’s aviation, travel, business, entertainment and hospitality industry.

Keith Williams, British Airways’ chief executive, said:

“Today marks another milestone in our long and proud tradition of connecting Hong Kong and London – two truly global hubs. For over three quarters of a century, this city has been an important part of British Airways’ worldwide network, so we are extremely delighted to be operating the state-of-the-art A380 onthe route, and to also be the first to fly it non-stop between Hong Kong and Europe.”

British Airways’ ‘Gig on a Wing’ event launched with a fashion show by British designer Alice Temperley MBE. Models descended the steps of the A380 aircraft onto British Airways’ specially created “runway” catwalk. Alice Temperley who has designed dresses for stars including Keira Knightly, Rihanna, Beyonce and The Duchess of Cambridge said:

“I was thrilled to be asked by British Airways to showcase my new Spring/Summer 2014 collection in Hong Kong and at such a unique and glamorous event. The people here really appreciate cutting edge design, fine tailoring and effortless style, very similar to that of British Airways new A380”.

This was followed by a live performance from multi-platinum selling artist and former X-Factor winner Leona Lewis. Lewis performed tracks on a specially created stage, flush with the A380’s 261-foot twin-engine wing. Leona’s set included a cover of Lenny Kravitz’s “Fly Away”, her number 1 selling track “Bleeding Love” and "Come Alive".

Supermodel Georgia May Jagger, daughter of Rolling Stones legend Mick Jagger took to the stage with Keith Williams to close the evening with a prize draw, which consisted of two British Airways Club World tickets to London on the new A380 and a stay at The Langham London.

Georgia May Jagger said:

“I'm so happy British Airways invited me to Hong Kong on their first A380 flight. The service, food and flat beds on the long haul flights are second to none and I always arrive feeling well rested. I love Hong Kong too and look forward to returning and spending more time in this great city”.

British Airways operates two daily non-stop flights between Hong Kong and London Heathrow. The A380 will serve flight BA25 from London to Hong Kong, and BA26 from Hong Kong to London.

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Airbus receives prestigious European Award

By BA Staff

Airbus has won an award in recognition for its contribution to European economy and integration. The prestigious “Golden Victoria for the European Idea of the Year”, awarded by the German Association of Magazine Publishers (VDZ), was handed over by European Union Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger to Airbus Chief Operating Officer Günter Butschek at the “Publishers’ Night” in Berlin. It is the first time the accolade was given to a company. Previous laureates include European Commission President José Manuel Barroso.

Günter Butschek said:

"Airbus is European integration in action. Our success highlights what Europe can achieve when working together. From start-up to world market leader in such a strategic and competitive industry – I hope that our success story sends a signal to other European business leaders and decision makers."

 The VDZ Board considered Airbus to be an outstanding example of European leadership, stating that Airbus highlighted the strength of the European ideal and the immense achievements that can be accomplished by a joint European undertaking, when stakeholders align.

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Japan approves Finnair's inclusion in Japan Airlines British Airways joint venture

By BA Staff

Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has granted anti-trust immunity to the joint business venture between Japan Airlines, Finnair and British Airways.  This paves the way for Finnair to join the existing joint business venture between Japan Airlines and British Airways. The agreement will allow all three airlines to cooperate commercially on flights between Europe and Japan.

The new joint business is expected to be launched next Spring. The addition of Finnair will further enhance customer benefits by providing better links between the EU and Japan, with more flight choices and enhanced frequent flyer benefits. In addition, this new joint business will allow the three airlines to cooperate on expanding their presence within, to and from this important and growing market.

The revenue-sharing agreement will strengthen the oneworld® alliance and enable it to compete more effectively around the world with other global alliances.

President of JAL, Yoshiharu Ueki, said:

"We would like to thank the regulator for approving our application for ATI with Finnair joining Japan Airlines and British Airways in our current joint business between Europe and Japan. Amid the evolving Japanese aviation industry, the ATI will enable us to build a stronger value-creating relationship with British Airways and Finnair that can further benefit our customers as well as our business."

Keith Williams, chief executive of British Airways said:

"Today's decision by the MLIT will benefit the customers of all three airlines by allowing us to explore ways to improve the connections between East and West."

Pekka Vauramo, CEO of Finnair, said:

"We are glad we are now one step closer to starting the cooperation with JAL and British Airways to provide our customers with better connections between the EU Japan."

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John Dabkowski to join Amadeus

By BA Staff

Amadeus, a technology provider for the global travel industry, announced that John Dabkowski is to join the company’s Airline IT business unit, effective October 14 as Vice President Airline Commercial and will assume responsibility for commercial activities in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and the Americas.

Dabkowski joins Amadeus from Navitaire, the wholly-owned subsidiary of Accenture. Navitaire provides technology and business solutions to the airline industry on an outsourced basis. Dabkowski was managing director at Navitaire.

Julia Sattel, Senior Vice President of Airline IT at Amadeus said:

 “We are delighted to welcome an executive of John’s calibre to Amadeus. His track record is second to none in the industry and he brings with him a wealth of experience and insight that will be invaluable as we seek to extend our leadership in IT solutions. His arrival is great news for Amadeus and great news for our customers, as we are confident that he will play a significant role in the development and execution of our strategy.”

Dabowski had this to say about the partnership:

“Amadeus has a unique role in aviation, being at the heart of both IT and distribution for airlines. And with so much change in the industry right now there are many opportunities and challenges for the company and I’m very excited to be joining at this time and I’m looking forward to getting involved and making a contribution."

Dabkowski’s career in the technology industry stretches back more than 30 years to when he joined GEC Avionics direct from university. His career since then has taken him from London, where he worked with the IT group Logica, to Dallas where his roles with Sabre included Senior Vice President of the airline solutions division.

Dabkowski will report to Julia Sattel and be based in Amadeus’ headquarters in Madrid.

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Singapore Airlines to launch seasonal services to Athens

by BA Staff

Image Credit: Devesh Agarwal

Southeast Asian full service carrier Singapore Airlines has announced its return to Athens, Greece, with twice weekly seasonal nonstop services from its hub at Singapore's Changi International Airport to commence between June and October 2014. The flights will be operated using one of Singapore Airlines' 13 Boeing 777-200ER aircraft, configured with either 285 (30J / 255Y) or 271 (26J / 245Y) seats in a 2-class configuration. The schedule for the new flights is as follows:

Flight	Route	Depart	Arrive	Days
SQ382	SIN - ATH	0205	0830	14
SQ381	ATH - SIN	1300	0455	14

Singapore Airlines had previously suspended its year round services to Athens in the wake of the Greek financial collapse in October of 2012. But burgeoning tourist demand for travel to Greece from Asia prompted the airline to resume its services in time for next year's high season. Including Athens, Singapore Airlines serves 14 destinations across Europe.

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